Austin Jackson activated off disabled list, Avisail Garcia optioned to Triple-A Toledo

The Detroit Tigers announced this afternoon they would be recalling center fielder Austin Jackson from his rehab stint with Triple-A Toledo. He will be activated off the 15-day disabled list in time for tonight's game with the Minnesota Twins. To make room on the Tigers 25-man roster, rookie outfielder Avisail Garcia will be optioned to Toledo.

Jackson was placed on the disabled list May 12 with a pulled left hamstring. Before his injury, Jackson hit .272/ .333/.371 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 34 games. But the injury had adversely affected his game in the weeks before being placed on the DL. Jackson had been in a severe slump, hitting just 231/ .268/.308 with one RBI for the month of May.

Jackson's rehab stint with the Mud Hens lasted all of three games, hitting .231 (3-for-13) with one RBI. In his final start with Toledo on Thursday, Jackson was 2-for-5 with a run scored.

Called up to fill a very large void left by Jackson in center, Garcia split time with Don Kelly. In 24 games. Garcia hit .288/.324/ .455 (19-for-66) with two home runs and 10 RBIs. That Garcia became the odd man out with Jackson's return is no surprise. Jim Leyland is on record saying the 24 year old would be better served playing every day in Triple-A than in a bench role with the Tigers.

More Roars

•Phil Coke’s Brain: Who’s Your Closer?

•Leyland (bleep)ing wants to know that, too

•John: Leyland could learn from Leyland

•Dombrowski: No trades on the horizon

•Friday’s links: All the Valverde you can take!